Cam-operated timer with improved electrical reset means

ABSTRACT

An energy storage means is coupled to the cam-programming means of a timer such that when the timer has completed its sequence, the cam-programming means can be automatically returned to its sequence-starting point. An electromechanical means energizes the motor drive means of the timer in response to the axial displacement of a shaft which carries the cam-programming means. The cam-programming means includes timer-sequencing delay means and timer interval load sequencing means.

United States Patent Voland et al.

[ 1 Mar. 14, 1972 [541 CAM-OPERATED TIMER WITH IMPROVED ELECTRICAL RESET MEANS [72] Inventors: Elmo W. Voland; Lewis E. Jones, both of Indianapolis, Ind.

[73] Assignee: P. R. Mallory & Co. Inc., Indianapolis,

Ind.

22 Filed: Feb. 24, 1970 [21 Appl.N0.: 13,480

[52] US. Cl ..200/38 C, 200/38 FA [51] Int. Cl ..I-I0lh 7/08, HOlh 43/10 [58] Field ofSearch ..200/38,39,153.1l, 153.12, 200/153.13, 38 FA, 167 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,206,566 9/1965 Yamamoto 200/38 FA 3,150,241 9/ 1964 Goodhouse et al.. 200/38 FA Bowen 3,267,659 Hancock .3200/38 FA 3,126,759 3/1964 Cook ..260/38 BI 3,227,821 l/1966 Hauser....... ....200/38 C X 3,260,807 7/1966 Rulseh etal.... .....200/38 D UX 3,292,017 12/1966 Bauer ....200/38 C X 3,306,996 2/1967 Simmons et al. ..200/38 B 3,319,019 5/1967 Jullien-Davin..... ....200/38 3,373,253 3/1968 Davin ..200/38 3,449,699 6/1969 Davin ..200/38 B X Primary Examiner.l. R. Scott Attorney-Richard H. Childress, Robert F. Meyer, Henry W. Cummings and C. Carter Ells, Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT An energy storage means is coupled to the cam-programming means of a timer such that when the timer has completed its sequence, the cam-programming means can be automatically returned to its sequence-starting point. An electromechanical means energizes the motor drive means of the timer in response to the axial displacement of a shaft which carries the cam-programming means. The cam-programming means in cludes timer-sequencing delay means and timer interval load sequencing means.

13 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEBMAR 14 I572 3, 649 78 3 sum 1 [IF 3 64 INVENTORS LEWIS E. JONES ELMO W. VOLA ND ATTORNEY PATENTEDHAR 14 I972 3, 649 783 SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTORS F143. 5 5 LEWIS E. JONES BY ELMO W. VOLAND ATTORNEY PATENTEDHAR 14 m2 SHEET 3 BF 3 INVENTORS N E U L O N AIWVW R 0 T E T W A 6% LE B CAM-OPERATED TIMER WITH IMPROVED ELECTRICAL RESET MEANS This invention relates to time sequence mechanisms; and more particularly to time sequence mechanisms having reset means and having a cam-programming means which will give a time delay function as well as an interval load sequencing function.

Within the broad field of time switch mechanisms there exists a multiplicity of machine control applications wherein a particular time cycle must be faithfully reproduced in response to the command of the machine operator. Examples of such control requirements can be found in a host of commercial, industrial and domestic devices and appliances. A typical industrial application would be in industrial spot-welding machines, for example.

In such applications, there is a demand for obedient repetition of a particular desired timing program, the initiation of each cycle being ideally executed with a minimum degree of manual effort. In most of these, and related applications, how ever, there must also be provided a means for altering the cycle time period according to the requirements of the operator while still maintaining the feature of ready repeatability.

In certain other applications, it is also required that there be a means for providing an interval load sequencing cycle, as well as a time delay sequence. As used herein, the term delay sequence is meant to mean those operations wherein the timer is performing; that is, the timing mechanism is timing, but the load responsive thereto is not energized. Further, for the purpose of this disclosure, the term interval sequence is meant to mean that the load is energized while the timer is running or timing. An example of the latter would be in an ordinary washing machine appliance, wherein various cycles such as wash, rinse and tumbling, are carried out at intervals and when the last sequence is completed the timer is shut off. An example of the former would be in the molding industry where a mold must be heated for a certain length of time in order to put the mold up to temperature before a sequential pressing operation is carried out. Thus there is a delay before load sequencing begins.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a timer having reset means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timer having a cam-programming means which will give a time delay sequence and an interval load sequence.

A further object of the invention is to provide a timer having a reset means which includes energy storage means coupled to the cam-programming means.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a timer having a reset means which includes an indicator means and a stop means such that the starting point of the timer sequence can be set and permanentaly maintained.

Another object of the invention is to provide in conjunction with the reset means an electromechanical timerstarting means.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a timer having an electromechanical starting means which includes a solenoid responsive to an axial displacement of the cam-carry ing shaft.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a timer having a reset means which includes an indicator means comprising a pair of cooperating axially displaceable rotatable dial means coupled to the cam-carrying shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timer having reset means wherein the reset means includes cooperating dial means with one of the dial means being spring biased and having ratchet teeth adapted to engage rigidly held ratchet means.

A further object of the invention is to provide a reset timer having cam-programming means which includes at least two cams with one of the cams being independently adjustable from the other.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a timer having a cam-programming means which includes time delay sequencing means and interval load sequencing means with at least one of the means being independently adjustable from the other.

In addition to the above enumerated objects, the present timer includes a terminal board as part of its housing, the terminal board including electrical terminals which provide a quick, positive coupling with mating electrical terminals.

These and other objects of the invention and the nature thereof will become apparent from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings;

FIG. 1 is a cross section of the timer of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing another operating mode of the timer;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. Sis a view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a cross section showing another embodiment of the timer.

Generally speaking, the present invention provides a timer which includes cam-programming means and electrical switch means responsive to the cam-programming means, timer reset means resetting the cam-programming means at a predeter mining starting point after completion of a program sequence, an electromechanical means energizing the timer in response to displacement of a shaft carrying the cam-programming means. The cam-programming means includes timer-sequencing delay means and timer interval load sequencing means.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a timer 10 which employs the principles of the invention. Included as part of the timer is a housing 12 which includes sidewalls l4 and 16 and end walls II and 13. Also included as part of the housing are terminal boards 15 and 17 (FIG. 4). A shaft means 18 is rotatably journalled in bushings 20 and 22. Shaft means 18 is rotatably displaceable in response to a drive means 26. Drive means 26 could, for example, include a synchronous motor 28 and a speed-reducing means encased in cover 27. Shaft means 18 is rotatably driven in response to the motor through motor pinion 30 and clutch means 32. Clutch means 32 includes a gear means 34 having ratchet teeth 36, and clutch face 38 which has ratchet teeth 40. Clutch face 38 is fixedly held to shaft means 18 through pin 42. Shaft means 18 is axially displaceable and is spring biased through coil spring 43. Axial displacement of the shaft means 18 engages clutch face 38 with gear means 34 such that the shaft means can be rotationally driven in response to synchronous motor 28.

A cam-programming means 44 is carried by shaft means 18 and is fixedly held thereto through suitable means such as a pin 46. At least one electrical switch means 48 is carried by a frame member 50 which is attached to the housing 12 of the timer. The electrical switch means are responsive to the camprogramming means 44. Electrical switch means 48 include typical single-throw electrical contact switches well known in the art.

Cam-programming means 44 includes earns 52 and 54 which serve as a time delay sequencing means and an interval load sequencing means respectively. Cam 52 includes coded indicia 52' and 52", while cam 54 includes coded indicia 54'. The coded indicia cooperates to activate electrical switch means 48.

As shown, cam 54 is fixedly held to the shaft means 18 through pin 46. Cam 52 is frictionally fitted to the cam 54 such that it can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of cam 54 but can, if desired, be rotated independently of cam 54 such that its timing sequence can be independently adjusted. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, there is provided a holding means 60 which will provide a means for holding cam 52 in a fixed position such that cam 54 can be rotated in accordance with a manual rotation of the shaft means 18. Holding means 60 includes a spring-biased pin 58 having teeth 58 adapted to engage peripheral teeth 56 of cam 52. Pin 58 is spring biased through coil spring 57. To aid in biasing cam 52 against cam 54, there is provided a spring-biasing means 51. Spring-biasing means includes a spring washer 53 which is fixedly held in place by washer 55.

As previously noted, the present invention includes a reset means 62 such that the timer will automatically reset the starting point of its programming sequence once the programmed sequence of the timer is carried out. Reset means 62 includes an energy storage means 64, indicator means 66 which locates the starting point of the programmed cycle and stop means 68 which limits the rotational displacement of shaft means 18 when the cam-programming means 44 is being reset to its starting position. Energy storage means 64 includes a coil spring 65 substantially surrounding cam 52 of cam-programming means 44 and having one end 65 fixedly coupled to the wall of housing 12. As will be hereinafter described, energy storage means 64 will rotationally return the cam-programming means 44 back to its original starting point once its cycle has been completed. Indicator means 66 includes a pair of cooperating axially displaceable rotatable dial means 70 and 72 carried by shaft means 18. Dial means 72 is rotatable about bushing 22. It is also spring biased through coil spring 74. Dial means 72 further includes ratchet teeth 76 adapted to engage corresponding ratchet teeth 78 carried by ring member 80 which is ridigly attached to wall 13 of housing 12. Dial means 70 serves as a rotating knob and includes a pointer 82 which can be aligned with pointer 84 of dial means 72. Pointers 82 and 84, when aligned, will indicate a particular program setting shown by the indicia indicated on plate 86, the indicia being more particularly shown in FIG. 4. Dial means 70 is rigidly held to shaft means 18 through setscrew 88. Stop means 68 includes cooperating tabs 90 and 92 (FIG. 3) extending from dial means 70 and 72 respectively.

Timer is energized or started through an electromechanical means 94, the electromechanical means being energized in response to the axial displacement of shaft means 18 through actuator blade 96. Electromechanical means 94 includes a solenoid 98, the solenoid including a solenoid plunger 100. As shown, plunger 100 is connected to actuator blade 96 through pin 102. Actuator blade 96 is fixedly held to housing 12 at end 96 with the central portion of the blade being coupled to the shaft means 18 by virtue of aperture 104 interfitting with recess 106. Actuator blade 96 extends through aperture 95 of sidewall 16.

Having described the essential features of the timer, its operation can now be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, ratchet teeth 76 of dial means 72 is first disengaged from the ratchet teeth of ring member 80 and then the dial means is rotated until pointer 84 is in line with the desired starting point of the programmed sequence as indicated on faceplate 86. This is done manually, and when accomplished, dial means 72 is released such that the ratchet teeth are again engaged. Dial means 70 is then manually rotated until its pointer 82 is in line with pointer 84. Dial means 70 is then axially depressed so as to axially displace shaft means 18. As shown in FIG. 2, such displacement engages clutch means 32, solenoid plunger 100 with solenoid 98 and at the same time earns 52 and 54 are depressed such that their coded indicia are engaged with switch means 48. Switch means 48 will be energized, and in addition to carrying out a time delay and/or load-switching function, a holding circuit to solenoid 98 and motor 28 will be completed such that shaft means 18 will be rotationally driven by the motor 28. As indicated in FIG. 3, shaft means 18 will be rotationally displaced counterclockwise (arrow 1) until such time as the programming sequence is completed. This is indicated by the dotted portion of pointer 82. At this point, the coded indicia of cam 52 will be such that the appropriate electrical switching means will be released thus releasing the holding circuit to the solenoid 98, thus releasing the solenoid to disengage clutch means 32 such that shaft means 18 will no longer be driven by the motor. During the time that shaft means 18 was being driven by the motor, energy was being stored in energy storage means 64. Upon disengagement of the clutch means 32, shaft means 18 becomes free to rotate in the opposite direction thus releasing the stored energy in energy storage means 64 to thus cause shaft means 18 to rotate in the opposite direction (arrow 2) until stop means 90 and 92 become engaged. As shown in FIG. 3, this will be at the point where pointers 82 and 84 are aligned. Thus the timer has been automatically reset and is now ready for the next cycle.

Referring to FIG. 5, another feature of the invention is shown. Such feature is in the arrangement of the terminal boards 15 and the terminals associated therewith with respect to the terminals of the switching means 48. This structure permits the terminal boards to be readily placed in position with assurance that there will be a quick and positive engagement of the terminals of the terminal boards with the terminals of the electrical switching means 48. The terminals for the terminal boards includes terminal ring 108 and contact blade 110. Electrical lead 112 is electrically coupled to contact ring 108 through jack 114 which is connected to contact ring 108 through setscrew 116. Contact ring 108 forms an interference fit with aperture 118 of terminal board 15 through tabs 108 which extend into the aperture and which are spring loaded against a wall of the aperture. Contact blade is spring loaded such that when terminal board 15 is placed into position to complete the housing of the timer, the contact blade 110 will engage and bear against terminal 120 of electrical switch means 48. It is to be understood that a similar arrangement is used to form an electrical contact with terminal 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the electromechanical means 94 is disposed within the housing 12 of the timer and is in axial alignment with shaft means 18. Electromechanical means 94' includes solenoid 98 which includes a solenoid plunger 100' which is coupled to shaft means 18. Shaft means 18 is, in this embodiment, axially spring biased through coil spring 43'. Thus the solenoid plunger 100 is responsive to the axial displacement of shaft means 18. Further in this embodiment, the functions of interval load switching and time delay sequencing is combined into a single cam 122 and thus the interval sequencing and the time delay sequencing is not adjustable with respect to one another. The cam 122 is axially aligned on the shaft means 18 through washers 124 and 126. Unidirectional clutch means 32 is substantially the same as the clutch means shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, faceplate 38 is resiliently biased against gear means 34 by spring means 128.

The operation of the timer of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is substantially the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, when shaft means 18 is manually axially displaced, cam 122 is biased against electrical switch means 48 through coded indicia 122 such that the holding circuit is completed to the solenoid 98. Unidirectional clutch 32 will remain engaged such that shaft means 18 will be driven by the motor 28.

Thus there is described a timer having reset means which automatically resets the timer back to its original starting point of its programmed sequence, has an electromechanical starting means in response to its axial displacement of the timer shaft, and has a cam-programming means wherein there is an interval load sequencing function and a time delay function. Additionally, the timer utilizes a terminal board having electrical terminal construction whereby the terminal boards can be easily put into place and the terminals on the terminal boards automatically be engaged with electrical terminals of the electrical switch means.

What is claimed is:

1. In a timer including cam-programming means and electrical switch means responsive to said cam-programming means,

a. timer reset means setting said cam-programming means at a predetermined starting point after completion of a programmed sequence including a coil spring substantially surrounding and coupled to said cam-programming means and having one end coupled to a wall of a housing for said timer, indicator means locating said starting point, and stop means limiting the rotational displacement of said shaft means upon being reset to its starting position, and

b. an electromechanical means energizing said timer in response to displacement of a shaft means carrying said cam-programming means.

2. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said electromechanical means includes a solenoid.

3. In a timer according to claim 2 wherein said solenoid is coupled to a spring-biased actuator means connected to said shaft means.

4. In a timer according to claim 3 wherein said actuator means includes an actuator blade responsive to the displacement of said shaft means one end of which is coupled to said solenoid.

5. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said indicator means includes a pair of cooperating axially displaceable rotatable dial means coupled to said shaft means, one of said dial means being spring biased and including ratchet teeth adapted to engage rigid ratchet teeth means.

6. In a timer according to claim 1' wherein said indicator means includes a pair of cooperating axially displaceable dial means coupled to said shaft means, one of said dial means including ratchet teeth adapted to engage rigid ratchet means, and said stop means includes cooperating tabs extending from said cooperating dial means.

7. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said cam-programming means includes timer sequencing delay means, and timer interval load sequencing means.

8. In a timer according to claim 7 further including means adjusting the duration of sequencing of said cam-programming means.

9. In a timer according to claim 8 wherein said adjusting means includes spring-biased holding means extending through and carried by a wall of a housing for said timer, said spring-biased holding means adapted to selectively engage gear teeth disposed on said cam-programming means.

10. A timer comprising:

a. a housing,

b. a rotating cam shaft means extending through and carried by said housing,

c. motor drive means including clutch means coupling said shaft means to said drive means,

d. cam-programming means carried by said shaft means and electrical switch means responsive to said cam-programming means,

e. spring-biased blade actuator means fixedly coupled to said shaft means, said blade actuator means coupled to solenoid means, said motor drive means responsive to said solenoid means, displacement of said shaft means actuating said blade actuator means, and

f. reset means adapted to set said cam-programming means to its sequence starting point after completion of its programmed sequence, said reset means including a coil spring coupled to said cam-programming means, and an indicator means locating said starting point and stop means limiting the rotational displacement of said shaft means upon being reset to said starting point.

11. A timer according to claim 10 wherein said indicator means comprises a pair of rotatable axially aligned, cooperating but independently axially displaceable dial means, one of said-dial means fixedly coupled to said shaft means, the other carried by said shaft means, said dial means carried by said shaft means including ratchet teeth adapted to selectively engage ratchet means fixedly coupled to a wall of said housing.

12. A timer according to claim 11 wherein said stop means includes cooperating tabs extending from said dial means.

13. A timer according to claim 10 wherein said cam-programming means includes timer-sequencing delay meansand timer interval load sequencing means. 

1. In a timer including cam-programming means and electrical switch means responsive to said cam-programming means, a. timer reset means setting said cam-programming means at a predetermined starting point after completion of a programmed sequence including a coil spring substantially surrounding and coupled to said cam-programming means and having one end coupled to a wall of a housing for said timer, indicator means locating said starting point, and stop means limiting the rotational displacement of said shaft means upon being reset to its starting position, and b. an electromechanical means energizing said timer in response to displacement of a shaft means carrying said cam-programming means.
 2. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said electromechanical means includes a solenoid.
 3. In a timer according to claim 2 wherein said solenoid is coupled to a spring-biased actuator means connected to said shaft means.
 4. In a timer according to claim 3 wherein said actuator means includes an actuator blade responsive to the displacement of said shaft means one end of which is coupled to said solenoid.
 5. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said indicator means includes a pair of cooperating axially displaceable rotatable dial means coupled to said shaft means, one of said dial means being spring biased and including ratchet teeth adapted to engage rigid ratchet teeth means.
 6. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said indicator means includes a pair of cooperating axially displaceable dial means coupled to said shaft means, one of said dial means including ratchet teeth adapted to engage rigid ratchet means, and said stop means includes cooperating tabs extending from said cooperating dial means.
 7. In a timer according to claim 1 wherein said cam-programming means includes timer sequencing delay means, and timer interval load sequencing means.
 8. In a timer according to claim 7 further including means adjusting the duration of sequencing of said cam-programming means.
 9. In a timer according to claim 8 wherein said adjusting means includes spring-biased holding means extending through and carried by a wall of a housing for said timer, said spring-biased holding means adapted to selectively engage gear teeth disposed on said cam-programming means.
 10. A timer comprising: a. a housing, b. a rotating caM shaft means extending through and carried by said housing, c. motor drive means including clutch means coupling said shaft means to said drive means, d. cam-programming means carried by said shaft means and electrical switch means responsive to said cam-programming means, e. spring-biased blade actuator means fixedly coupled to said shaft means, said blade actuator means coupled to solenoid means, said motor drive means responsive to said solenoid means, displacement of said shaft means actuating said blade actuator means, and f. reset means adapted to set said cam-programming means to its sequence starting point after completion of its programmed sequence, said reset means including a coil spring coupled to said cam-programming means, and an indicator means locating said starting point and stop means limiting the rotational displacement of said shaft means upon being reset to said starting point.
 11. A timer according to claim 10 wherein said indicator means comprises a pair of rotatable axially aligned, cooperating but independently axially displaceable dial means, one of said dial means fixedly coupled to said shaft means, the other carried by said shaft means, said dial means carried by said shaft means including ratchet teeth adapted to selectively engage ratchet means fixedly coupled to a wall of said housing.
 12. A timer according to claim 11 wherein said stop means includes cooperating tabs extending from said dial means.
 13. A timer according to claim 10 wherein said cam-programming means includes timer-sequencing delay means and timer interval load sequencing means. 